Prime Minister Modi’s Response to Allegations by Rahul Gandhi of Election Manipulation: Examining the Role of Central Agencies
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has rebuffed accusations from the Congress party, particularly former chief Rahul Gandhi, alleging that the BJP relies on central agencies like the CBI and ED, as well as electronic voting machines (EVMs), to secure victories in Lok Sabha elections. Modi countered these claims by pointing out that if elections could be influenced by such means, then the Congress should have won the 2014 general election.
During an interview with News18, PM Modi referenced the contentious arrest of Amit Shah, who served as the Home Minister of Gujarat when Modi was Chief Minister, in connection with the Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case. Despite Shah’s arrest by the CBI in 2010, the BJP emerged victorious in the subsequent Lok Sabha elections in 2014. Modi highlighted this instance to challenge the notion that the BJP relies on central agencies to secure electoral victories.
Furthermore, PM Modi dismissed Rahul Gandhi’s assertion that the BJP cannot win elections without the assistance of the ED, CBI, and EVMs. He emphasized that prior to the NDA government assuming power in 2014, the Congress had wielded influence over these agencies for years. Modi questioned why, despite purportedly having control over these institutions, the Congress failed to secure victory in the 2014 elections.
In response to allegations of attempting to “fix” the Lok Sabha elections, PM Modi asserted that such manipulation on a national scale is implausible. He contended that even at the municipal level, election-fixing is unfeasible, let alone in a vast and diverse country like India. Modi accused the Congress of resorting to scapegoating and deflecting accountability rather than addressing their electoral shortcomings.
PM Modi criticized the media for amplifying baseless allegations instead of holding the Congress accountable for their electoral performance. He suggested that the Congress and its allies within the INDI alliance are grasping for excuses to justify their electoral setbacks. Modi urged political leaders to take responsibility for their electoral defeats and engage with the electorate transparently, rather than resorting to unfounded allegations of election manipulation.
Rahul Gandhi, in a speech on March 31, accused PM Modi of attempting to “fix” the Lok Sabha elections, alleging that the BJP’s ambitious electoral targets are unattainable without resorting to manipulation. However, Modi refuted these claims, asserting that the BJP’s electoral success is rooted in the party’s policies and public trust, rather than underhanded tactics.
In conclusion, PM Modi’s response underscores the contentious nature of electoral politics in India, particularly regarding allegations of election manipulation and the role of central agencies. While accusations of using institutions like the CBI and ED for political gains persist, Modi’s defense highlights the need for accountability and transparency in the electoral process. As India’s democracy continues to evolve, ensuring the integrity and fairness of elections remains paramount for upholding democratic principles.
